K2 Expeditions & Trekking
K2 Base Camp & Gondogoro La Packing List
Ensure every item is checked before leaving for Islamabad.
K2 Base Camp & Gondogoro La Backpacking List
The ultimate, battle-tested gear checklist for trekking the Baltoro Glacier, K2 Base Camp, crossing the Gondogoro La pass, and surviving the extreme conditions of the Karakoram.
The Golden Rule of the Karakoram
Weather in the Karakoram is extreme, dry, and highly prone to massive temperature fluctuations. You will endure scorching, 30°C+ heat on the lower glacier in the beating sun, and freezing -20°C temperatures at night at Concordia. Layering is not an option; it is a necessity for survival. Do not attempt this trek with sub-standard or untested equipment.
Clothing & Layering
The weather in the Karakoram is deeply unpredictable. You need a modular, moisture-wicking system that transitions from +30°C in the valleys to -20°C at Concordia.
Merino wool or synthetic. No cotton. Lightweight and midweight options.
Synthetic or merino short/long sleeve.
Mid-layer warmth. Polartec 100 or 200.
Wind and water-resistant for active trekking on the glacier.
Gore-Tex or equivalent. Fully waterproof and breathable with a good hood.
Waterproof pants with full-length side zips for putting on over boots.
Lightweight, quick-drying nylon. Zip-offs are useful for lower altitudes.
Expedition weight (800+ fill power down) with a hood. Essential for Concordia and Gondogoro La.
Head, Hands & Neck
Protect against intense high-altitude UV rays and sub-zero glacier winds.
Wool or fleece, must cover ears.
Wide brim or neck cape to block severe UV.
Critical for blocking dust on the trail and warming air before you breathe it in the cold.
Category 4 lenses with side shields. 100% UV protection is mandatory to prevent snow blindness.
Fleece or windstopper. You will wear these constantly.
Waterproof, heavy down or synthetic mitts for the high passes.
Footwear
Your feet are your most important asset. Do not compromise on boot quality or fit.
Sturdy, waterproof (Gore-Tex), ankle-supporting boots. MUST be broken in prior to arrival.
Crocs, trail runners, or down booties to let your feet breathe and relax at camp.
Merino wool. A mix of midweight and heavy weight for different camps.
Thin synthetic socks to wear under heavy socks to prevent blisters.
For keeping snow, scree, and dust out of your boots (especially for Gondogoro La).
Sleeping & Camp Gear
Nights on the Baltoro Glacier drop well below freezing. Rest is essential.
Down (800+ fill) or high-quality synthetic. Rated for extreme cold.
Fleece or silk. Adds 5-10°C of warmth and keeps your bag clean.
Insulated pad (e.g., Therm-a-rest NeoAir XTherm) to block cold from the glacier ice.
Used underneath the inflatable pad for extra insulation and puncture protection.
Bags & Packs
The porter system requires specific packing logistics.
90L–120L heavy-duty, waterproof duffel (e.g., North Face Base Camp). Max 15kg for porters.
35L–45L. You carry this. Must fit your water, layers, camera, and snacks.
Essential for sudden Karakoram downpours.
Various sizes to organize and waterproof your clothes and electronics inside the duffel.
Trekking & Climbing Hardware
Required if crossing Gondogoro La or entering high technical zones.
Collapsible, robust poles. Saves your knees on the endless moraine and boulder hopping.
Depending on the itinerary. Crampons required for Gondogoro La; spikes good for icy glacier sections.
Only if crossing Gondogoro La or peaks.
Locking carabiners and a safety tether for the ropes on Gondogoro La.
Crucial for rockfall zones and Gondogoro Vigne glacier descent.
Hydration & Nutrition
High altitude rapidly dehydrates you. You must drink 3-4 liters daily.
1-Litre wide-mouth Nalgene bottles. Unbreakable and can take boiling water at night to use as a hot water bottle.
Chloride dioxide drops (Aquamira) or a SteriPEN. Boil water is basic, but backup is needed.
Powder or tablets (Nuun, Liquid I.V.) to replace salts lost to sweating.
Energy bars, trail mix, jerky, chocolates. Bring your favorites from home as morale boosters.
First Aid & Hygiene
You are days away from medical help. Be self-sufficient.
Bandages, gauze, athletic tape, antibiotic ointment.
Compeed, moleskin, and a sterile needle.
Ibuprofen, Pepto Bismol, Imodium, broad-spectrum antibiotics (Cipro), and Diamox (for altitude).
SPF 50+. The sun reflecting off glaciers is brutal.
There are no showers for a two-week period. This is your "Baltoro bath".
Toothbrush, paste, biodegradable soap, and 2-3 small bottles of hand sanitizer.
Electronics & Gadgets
Power is non-existent after Askole. Solar and power banks are required.
Petzl or Black Diamond. Plus extra lithium batteries (they resist cold better).
10,000mAh to 20,000mAh. Keep inside your jacket during the day so the cold does not drain them.
Useful for charging power banks during long, sunny trekking days.
The landscapes are unparalleled. Bring robust gear and clean lenses often (very dusty).
For hotels in Islamabad and Skardu (Type C/D typically).
Documents & Logistics
Bureaucracy and checkpoints are part of the journey.
Keep the original safe in a waterproof bag. Copies are needed for checkpoints.
Required for permits and local SIM cards.
MUST explicitly cover high-altitude trekking up to 6,000m and helicopter evacuation. Review our safety protocols.
USD/EUR to exchange in Islamabad, plus Pakistani Rupees for tips and village purchases.
Renting Gear in Skardu
Not every piece of equipment needs to be flown halfway across the world. While you should always bring your own boots, layers, and sleeping bag, bulky items like crampons, ice axes, and heavy down jackets can often be rented from local gear shops in Skardu before departure to Askole.
- Test everything locally: If you rent, thoroughly inspect zips, buckles, and fit before leaving the shop.
- Porters carry a strict 15kg limit of your gear. Pack light and smartly.
- Bring all your specific medications—Skardu pharmacies may not stock your prescription.
Do NOT Bring
Cotton Clothing
Cotton kills at altitude. It holds sweat, never dries, and will freeze to your skin.
Drone Equipment (Without Permit)
Flying drones near the Baltoro and military borders is strictly prohibited without prior aviation clearance.
Brand New Boots
If you have not trekked at least 50km in your boots before arriving, you will suffer severe blisters.
Hairdryers or Heating Coils
There is zero electricity on the glacier, and Skardu hotels often have voltage limits.
